Engine testing method and apparatus

Abstract

A method of testing an engine aftercooler without removing it from the engine, the method including the steps of exposing the air inlet of the aftercooler, applying a gas under a superatmospheric pressure to the air chamber of the aftercooler, maintaining the gas pressure at a predetermined level, monitoring the liquid in the liquid chamber of the aftercooler, whereby the presence of leaks in the aftercooler can be determined by observing the evolution of bubbles from the liquid in the aftercooler. Testing apparatus for an engine including an aftercooler and a turbocharger, the apparatus including an adapter capable of being operatively connected to the air chamber section of the aftercooler, fasteners engageable with the adapter capable of securing the adapter to the engine, a passage through the adapter, mechanism for supplying a gas under superatmospheric pressure through the adapter, pressure measuring mechanism associated with the gas supplying mechanism, and pressure relief mechanism associated with the gas supplying mechanism, whereby securing the adapter to the engine and supplying gas under superatmospheric pressure through the apparatus to the air chamber of the aftercooler will cause the pressurized gas to be forced through any flaws in the aftercooler and produce bubbles in a liquid medium disposed on the opposite side of the aftercooler from the air chamber.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Testing apparatus for an engine including an aftercooler and a turbocharger, said apparatus including adapter means capable of being operatively connected to the air chamber section of said aftercooler, fastening means engageable with said adapter means capable of securing said adapter means to said engine, a passage through said adapter means, means for supplying a gas under superatmospheric pressure through said adapter means, pressure measuring means associated with said gas supplying means, and pressure relief means associated with said gas supplying means, whereby securing said adapter means to said engine and supplying gas under superatmospheric pressure through said apparatus to said air chamber of said aftercooler will cause the pressurized gas to be forced through any flaws in said aftercooler and produce bubbles in a liquid medium disposed on the opposite side of said aftercooler from said air chamber. 
     
     
       2. Engine testing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said gas supplying means includes regulating valve means. 
     
     
       3. Engine testing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said adapter means includes a plate with a plurality of bolt openings around the periphery thereof. 
     
     
       4. Engine testing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said adapter means includes cap means and clamp means securing same. 
     
     
       5. Engine testing apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said gas supplying means is connected to said adapter means through conduit means, and said pressure measuring means and said pressure relief means are connected to said conduit means at substantially the same point as said gas supplying means. 
     
     
       6. Engine testing apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said gas supplying means, said pressure measuring means, said pressure relief means, and said conduit means are arranged in a cross configuration. 
     
     
       7. A method of testing an aftercooler of an engine including a turbocharger without removing said aftercooler from said engine, said method including the steps of disconnecting means connecting said turbocharger with said aftercooler to expose an air inlet of said aftercooler, mounting testing apparatus on said exposed air inlet of said aftercooler, said testing apparatus including means for supplying a gas under superatmospheric pressure, pressure measuring means and pressure relief means; supplying a gas under superatmospheric pressure through said apparatus to an air chamber of said aftercooler, maintaining said gas pressure at a predetermined level, monitoring liquid in a liquid chamber of said aftercooler, whereby the presence of a leak in said aftercooler can be determined by observing the evolution of bubbles from said liquid in said aftercooler. 
     
     
       8. A method of testing an engine aftercooler according to claim 7 wherein said gas pressure is maintained between about 25 and 35 psi.